KUNAK: A male estuarine crocodile measuring 17 feet 4 inches and weighing approximately 800 kilogrammes was shot dead after attacking a man who was collecting snails along a river at an oil palm plantation in Kunak.
The attack took place on April 19 at around 2.00 pm. The victim suffered serious leg injuries from the reptile’s assault.
Following the incident, the State Wildlife Department (JHL) was alerted on April 20 and began monitoring high-risk areas of the river. A few days later, the team set up crocodile traps to capture the dangerous reptile.
On April 27, the crocodile was sighted and shot dead to prevent further attacks on villagers and other members of the public near the river.
The authorities have urged the public not to take the risks of riverine, mangrove, or riverbank areas lightly — especially when collecting snails, fishing, washing boats, or carrying out activities alone. – James Leong
Officials with the dead crocodile at the oil palm plantation in Kunak.
